Just as a father loves it when he sees his children laughing and enjoying themselves; so God loves to see His children full of joy and enjoying an abundant life. Jesus said it this way, “I have come that their joy might be full.” Check out these powerful principles to live a life of joy!
1. Express gratitude
When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value. If we aren’t thankful for what we already have, we will have a hard time ever being happy.
Paul ~ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
2. Cultivate optimism
People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities, especially in trying times. Christian optimism comes from realizing that God can bring good out of any situation.
Paul ~ We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. ~ Romans 8:28
3. Avoid over-thinking and social comparison
Comparing yourself to someone else can be poisonous. The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. God created you with a special purpose in mind. God created us individually unique from our mother’s womb.
David ~ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it. ~ Psalm 139:14
4. Practice acts of kindness
Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside.
Jesus ~ (the Golden Rule) – Treat others the way you would like to be treated ~ Matthew 7:12
5. Nurture social relationships
The happiest people are those who have deep, meaningful relationships.
Jesus ~ Honour your father and mother and love your neighbour as yourself. ~ Matthew 19:19
6. Develop strategies for coping
It helps to have healthy strategies for coping with unexpected life changes. Prayer and trusting God is one of the most powerful ways of dealing with stress and worry.
Paul ~Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7
7. Forgive
Harbouring feelings of hatred is horrible for your well-being. Forgiveness is one of the foundational principles of Jesus’ teaching.
Jesus ~ But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. ~ Mark 11:25
8. Savour life’s joys
Deep happiness cannot exist without slowing down to enjoy the joy. Rest. Be thankful to be alive. Take a day off each week.
Jesus ~ Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28
God ~ Be still, and know that I am God! ~ Psalm 46:10
9. Commit to your goals
Persistence is key. Powerful things happen when we commit ourselves to accomplish our goals. Don’t give up. Keep doing what is right.
Paul ~ Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ~ Galatians 6:9
10. Take care of your body
Nutrition and exercise: this is crucial to being well-balanced and the happiest person you can be. The Bible also teaches that sexual sin hurts your body. Treat your body with respect.
Paul ~ Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. ~ I Corinthians 6:19-20
11. Learn to focus on what’s important — There are important things to do and there are things that just keep us busy. Learn to focus on the ‘main thing’. What has called you to do? What is the most important thing you should be doing right now? The Apostle Paul is a great example of someone who learned the value of focus.
Paul ~ I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. ~ Philippians 3:13-14
12. Seek God.
When we seek God, we recognize life is bigger than us. We surrender the silly idea that we are the mightiest life-form ever. Take time to read the Bible and pray. Take time to express your love for God.
Jesus ~ (The greatest commandment) – Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ~ Matthew 22:37
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Words to live by indeed! Thanks Mark~your posts are always inspiring.